Paul L. Bradford

Paul L. Bradford, 97, of Wapakoneta, died 6:17 a.m., Wed. Sept. 1, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born June 15, 1924, in Mercer Co., OH, the son of the late Willis and Beulah (Now) Bradford. On Nov. 6, 1943, he married Betty Kruse, and she died Oct. 31, 1992. Then on June 10, 1995, he married Ruth (Whetstone) Hughes, and she died Dec. 10, 2014. Survivors include, 3 children, Gary (Barb) Bradford, Linda (Larry) Lee, and LouAnn (Tom) Egbert; grandchildren, Teresa (Jacob) Fruchey, Jeffrey (Kim) Lee, and Diane (Mike) Voisin; great grandchildren, Jackson, Charlotte, Marcus, Cassandra, and Katrina; great great grandchildren, Kris, Matt, Colton, and Journey; step-grandchildren, Zach, Kimberly, and Danielle; 10 step great grandchildren, and 5 step-great great grandchildren; step-children, David (Sondra) Hughes, Cynthia (Rich) Whitling, and James (Myra) Hughes; numerous step-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren, and step-great great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Becky Bradford and Evelyn Schneider. Paul was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Fred Egbert, and his siblings, Wavalene (Myron) Opperman, Esther Bradford, and Everett Bradford. Paul was a lifelong farmer, and seed corn dealer with Funk Seed Corn Co. He was a member of the Buckland United Church of Christ. He was also a charter member of the Buckeye Farm Antiques. Paul enjoyed restoring antique farm tractors, and restored 5 tractors at the age of 96 and 97. He and Ruth wintered in Florida for several years. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Tues. Sept. 7, 2021, at the Eley Funeral Home & Crematory, St. Rt. 501, Wapakoneta, with Pastor Dennis Gaertner officiating. Burial is to follow in the Pilger Ruhe Cemetery, New Knoxville, OH. The family will receive family and friends 12 noon until the time of the service, Tues. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Rita’s Hospice or the Buckland United Church of Christ. Condolences may be expressed at www.eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory.com. The Live-Stream will be available on our Facebook page beginning at 2:00 p.m. https://m.facebook.com/eleyfuneralhomeandcrematory/photos/gm.889549518663625/890202168264775/?type=3&av=237313460220319&eav=AfZY7t8OT-VDuF8ELyr1cA2KeMbu-yt4ulwqabo-qVmtKDmkfbfnVPPbaKdUDSzIoRM&source=44&viewer=237313460220319&paipv=1

Paul L. Bradford

June 15, 1924 - September 1, 2021